What a race we have in prospect today at Kenilworth. It's South Africa's premier one mile race - the Queen's Plate! A nine runners strong field goes to post at 2.40pm UK time. In South Africa there have been some people disappointed about the field size. "Only" nine runners for such a prestigious race. Usually you have double figure strong fields for the big Grade 1's. On the other hand, nine runners - there are plenty of European Grade 1's that have trouble to pose anything close to that number actually. So it is not as bad as it may seem.
Particularly because the seemingly unbeatable Legislate is surly the one to beat. The highest rated individual in the country, horse of the year and multiple Grade 1 winner. Yet it won't be a walk in the park today. Because the best horses aren't avoiding each other in South Africa. In fact they take each other on. And this fact is what is what we really need to embrace.
Legislate is on five races long winning streak. He won the countries most prestigious races last year, with the Daily News as well as the highlight of the racing calendar, the Durban July! With that adding to spectacular Guineas and Derby triumphs. Back after a break recently, he destroyed a classy field in the Grade 2 Green Point Stakes without any fuss, despite the fact that he was probably only half fit. That says he is potentially a better horse over further than todays 1.600m trip. However his record speaks for itself. Legislate will try to make the Queen's Plate/J&B Met double perfect. Which would be some achievement and in that he'd better South Africa's most recent international star Variety Club. I'd go as far as saying: Legislate is even better than Variety Club - and we all know what VC did once he left the country to show-class his talent abroad.
First of all, Legislate has to beat some tough opposition today, though. Most notably Louis The King. The South African Triple Crown winner - last season as a 3yo (Gauteng Guineas, the SA Classic and the SA Derby over trips from 7f-12f). He was probably over the boil in the Durban July but was back with a bang after a break last month! Louis The King stormed home in the Grade 1 Sansui Summer Cup, one of the top races of the calendar, beating 18 rivals! He had to give loads of weight away to young and old that day but he prevailed in a thrilling finish. He is an absolute super star in his very own right, however he hasn't been able to beat Legislate yet and he may fall short over the mile trip yet again. He is better over further and one would expect him to have the J&B Met as his main target in sight.
Exciting youngster Futura was one of the hype horses towards the end last season but he fully lived up to it, running a hell of a race in the Durban July, just to win a deserved first Grade 1 subsequently. He couldn't match Legislate's turn of foot in the Green Point Stakes and had a troubled preparation for the Queen's Plate. He'll run his race but I suspect he'll be best watched this time and will be of much more interest in the Met.
Jet Explorer and Tellina are fine horses in their own right, and they may well sneak into the places if one of the bigger guns fails to deliver. But realistically, they are not good enough. The same may not quiet be said about the only 3yo in the lin-up - Kingvoldt. He was a spectacular juvenile, but suffered some setbacks in the middle of last year. However nicely brought back to his best, he produced two very fine performances in Graded company against his own age the last two. His third behind top three year old Act Of War in the Grade 1 Cape Guineas is very useful form. He has yet to win over 1.600m, but on pedigree he has every chance to get the trip and the potentially slow pace should suit him today. At a big price I take a chance on him to finish in the money and to make his WFO allowance to count.
That says, Legislate is of course the one they all have to beat. Currently trading at around 1/2, one can easily see what tough task the rest of the field has on their hands. I'm a huge fan of this horse and would absolutely love to see him romp home. However it is also great to see so much quality in this nine runner field. It should be a spectacular race. So make sure to tune it - At The Races committed to show the race!
Selection: Kingvoldt E/W @ 16/1 Coral
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